Business · Trade · 1 day ago
EU weighs halving imports of Chinese hybrid cars from 2027
The European Union is considering measures to halve imports of hybrid cars from China.
It expects 800,000 Chinese hybrids to arrive in 2026 and is weighing a limit of 400,000 a year from 2027.
The measures under consideration could use quotas, with a tax on imports above a set volume.
Chinese brands made up one in four hybrid cars sold in Europe in September, while their share had been below 3% the previous year.
The EU is looking at hybrids because they are not covered by its extra duties on some other Chinese cars, and it may use this approach in other sectors if it works.
EU trade negotiator Marcos Sefcovic discussed the issue in Beijing with China's commerce minister, and China has refused to limit vehicle exports voluntarily.
EU leaders are due to be briefed on a proposed four-year agreement in the coming days, with a further meeting planned before it is finalized in March.
The European Union is considering measures to halve imports of Chinese hybrid cars from 2027.
The proposed target would cut imports from an estimated 800,000 vehicles in 2026 to 400,000 a year.
Safeguard measures, possibly quotas with tariffs above a set import volume, are currently preferred.
In September, Chinese brands accounted for one in four hybrid cars sold in Europe, according to the article.
China has reiterated that it will not voluntarily limit vehicle exports.
- Who
- The European Union is considering the measures; China is the exporting country affected.
- What
- The EU is weighing safeguards to halve imports of Chinese hybrid cars. The measures are still under study.
- When
- The proposed reduction would begin in 2027.
- Where
- The measures would apply to imports into Europe.
- Why
- The EU aims to prevent excessive import flows and address trade imbalances.
European Union
China
Import limits
European Union
The EU is considering safeguards to halve Chinese hybrid-car imports.
China
China has reiterated its refusal to voluntarily limit vehicle exports.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
EU trade negotiator Maroš Šefčovič visited Beijing to meet Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.
China reiterated its refusal to voluntarily limit vehicle exports.
Bloomberg reported that the EU was considering measures to halve imports of Chinese hybrid cars.
- Estimated imports in 2026
- 800,000 vehicles
- Proposed annual imports from 2027
- 400,000 vehicles
- Chinese share of European hybrid sales in September
- One in four
- Chinese share of European vehicle sales last year
- Less than 3%
Sources
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